The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational successes across several states in a coordinated 24-hour nationwide sweep, neutralising six terrorists, arresting 110 suspects, rescuing four kidnapped victims, and recovering arms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and over 1,600 litres of illicit fuel.
The Army said the operations, conducted across multiple theatres, underscored its sustained offensive against terrorists, kidnappers, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements threatening national security.
In Kwara State, troops of Operation Savannah Shield, working alongside the Nigerian Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, recovered and secured two IEDs along the Kaiama–Woro Road.
In the Federal Capital Territory, troops of 176 Guards Battalion raided an illegal mining site in Gwagwalada, arresting 98 illegal miners. Items recovered during the operation included one vehicle, eight motorcycles, five pumping machines, 27 shovels, seven sledgehammers, 22 diggers, three head pans, five mining mats and a sack of charcoal.
In Kogi State, troops rescued two kidnapped victims along the Adankolo–Mosalaci Boka Road. In a separate operation in Lokoja Local Government Area, troops ambushed terrorists, killing three and recovering two AK-47 magazines containing 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, as well as two motorcycles.
In Plateau State, troops arrested a notorious terrorist in Jos East Local Government Area and foiled a kidnap attempt along the Rafin Sanyi–Hawan Kibo axis, rescuing another victim. Troops also arrested two suspected drug peddlers and recovered methamphetamine, a smoking pipe, a bottle of smoking apparatus, other illicit substances, one Opay ATM card, six mobile phones and ₦2,750.
In the North East and North West, troops sustained pressure on terrorist enclaves. In Borno State, 10 escaped abductees — three adult women and seven minors — safely returned from terrorist hideouts. In Zamfara State, troops killed three terrorists during ambush operations and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one Baofeng radio, two mobile phones and one motorcycle.
Similarly, in Benue State, troops arrested two suspected terrorists during clearance operations.
In anti-economic sabotage operations, troops recorded significant breakthroughs in Yobe, Adamawa and Rivers states.
In Yobe State, troops intercepted a vehicle conveying seven sacks of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), estimated at about 539 litres, arrested four suspects and recovered ₦1.6 million.
In Adamawa State, troops seized 11 jerrycans of PMS, 58 empty jerrycans, three motorcycles and one vehicle loaded with 155 empty jerrycans. Two filling stations allegedly involved in illegal fuel sales were also sealed.
In Rivers State, troops uncovered an illegal refining site containing a drum oven, receiver, coolant, 20-metre galvanised pipe, three sacks of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), estimated at about 125 litres, and a waste pit. In a separate operation, troops intercepted 58 sacks of AGO, estimated at about 1,500 litres, and arrested three suspects.
The Nigerian Army said the coordinated operations demonstrated its dominance across all theatres and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
According to the Army, the latest successes send a strong warning to terrorists, criminals and economic saboteurs that there is no safe haven for enemies of the state.
